The South Carolina Gamecocks, fresh off a deep NCAA Tournament run under legendary coach Dawn Staley, are wasting no time reloading for another championship push.
Despite their season ending with a disappointing 23-point loss to UConn in the 2025 National Championship game, the Gamecocks just added a major weapon to their roster — and it could be a game-changer.
On Wednesday, Madina Okot, a rising 6-foot-6 center with sky-high potential, officially committed to South Carolina after an impressive freshman season with Mississippi State.
Taking to Instagram, Okot expressed gratitude to the Mississippi State community, saying goodbye after a strong year that saw her average 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting an eye-popping 64.9% from the field.
Originally from Kenya, Okot’s basketball journey only began in 2020 — a fact that has many scouts buzzing about her raw talent and untapped ceiling. Before making her NCAA debut, she played for Zetech University in Kenya, quickly becoming a standout.
Okot isn’t the only elite addition. The Gamecocks already shook up the offseason by landing Ta’Niya Latson, a high-octane guard from Florida State, who led Division I in scoring last season with 25.2 points per game.
With Latson handling the scoring load, Okot will have the freedom to dominate defensively and crash the boards — an ideal role for her developing skillset.
As Coach Dawn Staley gears up for another title chase, the Gamecocks’ newest additions — especially the towering, talented Okot — might be exactly what they need to get over the hump next season.
